Amman, July 27 (Petra) – The National Petroleum Company (NPC) is
advancing plans to expand natural gas activities, including the
development of the al-Risha gas field and the establishment of a
central gas terminal under a newly signed agreement, Director General
of the NPC Mohammad Khasawneh said Monday.

Khasawneh said the agreement covers the establishment of a gas
terminal with a capacity of up to 50 million cubic feet per day,
which is expected to begin operations early next year.

He added that the NPC is preparing for the development of the
al-Risha gas field, with estimated investments ranging between $550
million and $750 million, as the company works to increase production
and expand exploration activities.

Khasawneh made the remarks during a meeting with the Parliamentary
Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, chaired by MP Ayman Abu
Hanieh, where the NPC’s operations, future plans and ongoing oil and
gas projects were reviewed.

He said the company is also working to market natural gas through a
“virtual pipeline” system based on compressed natural gas (CNG) and
liquefied natural gas (LNG), noting that three companies are
currently operating in this field, while a fourth is preparing to
enter the market. The system is expected to contribute to reducing
operational costs by between 30% and 50%, he added.

During the meeting, Abu Hanieh stressed the importance of
accelerating the development of the al-Risha gas field, increasing
production capacity and advancing drilling and exploration programs.

He highlighted the need to secure financing, obtain drilling
equipment and prioritize projects based on available resources, while
maintaining communication with investors through official channels.

The committee also discussed the possibility of establishing an
independent drilling services company to improve operational
efficiency and support exploration activities.

Meanwhile, Oil and Gas Directorate Director at the Energy and
Minerals Regulatory Commission Abdul Salam Ziyoud reviewed
developments in the natural gas import sector, saying four companies
have applied for import licenses.

He said two companies have received approvals, while the remaining
two are completing qualification procedures and currently supplying
industrial facilities through gas tankers until pipeline
infrastructure is completed.

Ziyoud added that the petroleum derivatives market includes three
licensed import and distribution companies, which are monitored by
the commission and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with
quality standards, service requirements and pricing regulations.

//Petra// AJ